Language | BILINGUAL Sep 18, 2017
Sumo helps with heavy lifting in language
by Mark Schreiber
Consider today's column my personal testimony that the sport of sumo can be a very useful aid for learning the Japanese language.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 11, 2017
The enduring mystique of the Showa Era
by Kaori Shoji
For many Japanese, life is divided into two distinctly historical time lines: before and after the Showa Era.
Language | BILINGUAL Sep 4, 2017
Japanese packed with phrases for the ages
by Mark Schreiber
The Japanese language certainly has no shortage of age-related terms, and the subject can pop up in almost any context.
Language | BILINGUAL Aug 28, 2017
Nani-tte nan-nano? Knowing what's what in Japanese
by Peter Backhaus
The kanji 何 has two slightly different readings, and these seem to make it mean substantially different things.
Language | BILINGUAL Aug 21, 2017
Podcasts for learning Japanese on the go
by Matthew Hernon
We spoke to the founders of two successful, but hugely contrasting podcast shows for Japanese learners.
Language | BILINGUAL Aug 14, 2017
Enka gives lessons in Japan's unattainable love
by Daniel Morales
You may groan and think me an oyaji, but enka songs offer great language lessons and also provide insight into how the Japanese conceive of love.
Language | BILINGUAL Aug 7, 2017
J-pop duo Scott & Rivers on writing Japanese lyrics
by Ryotaro Aoki
When American musician Scott Murphy first came to Japan in 2001, he could only say a few phrases in Japanese.
Language | BILINGUAL Jul 31, 2017
Be aware of Japanese workplace no-nos
by Kaori Shoji
The Japanese workplace has never been known for congeniality, but these days, female employees say "Working conditions are more comfortable than in the old days."
Language | BILINGUAL Jul 24, 2017
The stories behind familiar Japanese words
by Mark Schreiber
Let's take a look at the origins of half a dozen Japanese words that have found wide usage in English.
Language | BILINGUAL Jul 10, 2017
In Japan everything counts in its own way
by Peter Backhaus
When emails first hit Japan in the mid-1990s, these were counted in 通 (tsū), the common classifier for letters. However ...
Language | BILINGUAL Jul 3, 2017
Tips for nailing that Japanese interview
by Matthew Hernon
You've found the right job, sent off your 履歴書 (rirekisho, resume) and now it's time for the 面接 (mensetsu, interview).
Language | BILINGUAL Jun 26, 2017
Asking questions to the Japanese internet
by Daniel Morales
The website Yahoo! 知恵袋 (Chiebukuro, literally "bag of knowledge") is a great resource for language learners and for anyone interested in observing Japanese interact online.